The nation's oldest militia, chartered 1741, with a Greek Revival armory and a long-running ghost-hunt tradition
23 Clarke Street, Newport, RI 02840
Research updated June 2026
Age
All Ages
Cost
Free
Museum admission is by donation. Special ghost-hunt events, when offered, are ticketed separately; check the company's site for dates.
Access
Limited Access
Two-story stone-and-brick armory with stairs between floors
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1835 · Oldest U.S. military unit under its original charter · Colonial Newport civic and ceremonial history · Greek Revival armory architecture
The Rhode Island General Assembly chartered the Artillery Company of Newport in 1741, during the reign of King George II. The company is recognized as the oldest military unit in the United States still operating under its original charter, and its members have served in conflicts from the colonial period forward.
The company's home at 23 Clarke Street is a stone-and-brick armory completed in 1835 in the Greek Revival style. The building replaced earlier quarters and has anchored the company's ceremonial and civic role in Newport for nearly two centuries. The armory is listed in records maintained by the Rhode Island state preservation office.
Today the armory operates as a museum. Its collection includes military uniforms representing more than 50 nations, along with weapons, flags, and equipment tied to the company's long history. The museum is staffed by volunteers and is generally open on weekends from late spring through mid-autumn, with admission accepted by donation. The company also takes part in ceremonial functions around Newport and southern Rhode Island.
Sources
Newport's local lore has named the Clarke Street armory among the city's haunted buildings for well over a century, a reputation tied to the company's age and the building's long service. Reports tend to be informal, drawn from volunteers and visitors rather than a single published investigation.
The company itself has leaned into the reputation. Volunteer staff have partnered with a southern New England paranormal team to host guest ghost hunts inside the armory, events covered by the local Newport press. Participants in those hunts have reported recorded voice phenomena, unexplained photographic anomalies, and sounds that some describe as footsteps or marching in the upper floors after hours.
None of these accounts establish a documented identity behind the activity, and the museum presents them as part of its programming rather than as historical fact. The building's role as a centuries-old military headquarters, holding uniforms and equipment from generations of members, gives the reports their atmosphere. Visitors interested in the paranormal events should watch the company's site and the Newport event calendar, as the hunts are scheduled irregularly.
Tour the 1835 armory and its military collection, including uniforms from more than 50 nations, weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, roughly 10am to 2pm. Admission is by donation. Hours can vary, so confirm before visiting.
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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